AFCON: Hosts Morocco overcome Comoros in opener

Hosts Morocco got off to a winning start at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Sunday with a 2-0 victory over Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

After a sluggish first half, the Atlas Lions improved their effort and substitute forward Ayoub El Kaabi awoke the stadium with a spectacular overhead kick to put the hosts beyond reach. Real Madrid attacker Brahim Díaz opened the scoring from eight yards out in the 55th minute from a cross by Noussair Mazraoui.

Comoros, heavy underdogs in the clash to begin action in Group A, defended impressively while attempting to create moments of danger on rare counter-attacks. The strategy worked brilliantly, especially after goalkeeper Yannick Pandor saved an 11th minute penalty kick from Soufiane Rahimi after Díaz was tripped in the penalty area.

It was a rather poor effort from the hosts in the first half but they dominated possession. After being held scoreless at the half, the Atlas Lions increased the quality and Manchester United fullback Mazraoui created the opening goal. After receiving a lofted pass on the right wing, Mazraoui’s low cross found an unmarked Díaz who made no mistake with his low finish.

Comoros’ best chance came when Rafiki Saïd got free on the right wing in the 59th minute. Isolated with a defender, the tricky forward did well to create space for a low shot but Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou did enough to save.

That was as good as it got for the islanders, and less than ten minutes after coming on, El Kaabi provided the moment all the home supporters came to see. In the 74th minute, a lofted ball from left back Anass Salah-Eddine found the Olympiacos striker in the penalty area and he produced a flawless bicycle kick to clinch victory.

Morocco face Mali in their next Group A clash on Friday while Comoros will face Zambia. Zambia and Mali will finish up the first round of matches in Group A on Monday.